EP0395551B1 - Chimney-sweeping device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a sweeping device intended for cleaning chimney flues as well as to a connection line between a tool and a power supply unit designed for said device. It will particularly find its application in the manufacturers of chimney sweeping equipment.

Chimney sweeping is mandatory for safety reasons. In fact, an obstructed duct greatly reduces the draft and can therefore cause backflow of combustion gases and in particular carbon monoxide at the level of the boiler. Then, if the walls of the flue are lined with hydro-carbonaceous materials, a rise in temperature in the flue can cause a fire. For these reasons, it is strongly recommended to have the chimney flues cleaned regularly.

In addition, the efficiency of a boiler can be greatly affected in the event of fouling of the chimney flue. The amount of deposit found in the flues depends very significantly on the type of fuel used. For example, coal causes rapid fouling while natural gas on the contrary is cleaner.

Furthermore, for a given fuel, the deposition rate is a function of the temperature of the walls of the chimney. Thus, if a chimney presents along its flue a cold zone, then it is at this place that one will meet an accumulation of deposit.

Specifically, it has recently been found that certain heating appliances commonly called chimney inserts are the source of an increasing number of chimney fires because of their slow combustion mode, generating combustible distillates depositing in the conduits.

To combat dirt, some manufacturers have developed thermally insulated chimney flues, which allows them to know a very high interior wall temperature and therefore favorable for low fouling. This technique is however expensive and can be more difficult to implement in the case of old buildings, moreover, it does not really give good results except during continuous operation of the boiler. Its application is therefore mainly limited to industrial installations.

The sweeping technique has progressed a lot with recent technical developments. Originally, it was a typical craft work for which the chimney sweep worked from the top of the chimney flue. For this, he had to access the roof and introduce into the chimney flue a circular brush called "hedgehog" which was suspended from a flexible link and driven downwards by a heavy mass such as a metal ball. This allowed access to the chimney flue over its entire length and by a reciprocating movement, the "hedgehog" rubs on the inside wall of the chimney, which allows to detach the soot and other debris from the wall and then to pick up residues using rudimentary means such as shovels, brushes in the lower part of the duct. This technique requires the intervention of two operators, one placed at the top and the other at the bottom of the duct. The work performed is particularly dirty for both the staff and the premises concerned.

This procedure has many drawbacks. You must first access the roof, which makes sweeping seasonal and requires equipment to access the height.

Then, if the chimney is fitted with a cover to prevent rainwater from entering the flue, this part must necessarily be dismantled to gain access to the flue. Furthermore, if the flue is not straight, the operation becomes complex and it is sometimes necessary to work in several stages.

In total, this artisanal technique meant that sweeping was very long and generally had to be practiced in the summer, hence its high cost.

To improve the working conditions, the manufacturers of chimney sweeping material have developed a material compatible with a bottom-working technique, that is to say, that the chimney sweep performs the cleaning of the chimney flue by the base of that -this without having to access the upper part on the roof.

For this, the chimney sweep has a "rod" with sufficient rigidity to allow pushing a scraping device of the "hedgehog" type while retaining the flexibility necessary to follow any deviations (elbows, branches, ...) smoke pipe.

• soit un jeu de "cannes" connectables successivement les unes aux autres,
• soit d'une tige de grande longueur stockable sur un enrouleur-dévidoir. Cette tige est de type semi-flexible, ce qui lui permet de se redresser aussitôt qu'elle est introduite dans le conduit.

The most common current achievements of this type of "rods" are:

• either a set of "rods" connectable successively to each other,
• either of a very long rod which can be stored on a reel-reel. This rod is of the semi-flexible type, which allows it to straighten as soon as it is introduced into the conduit.

Chimney sweeps also use a high-powered vacuum cleaner to remove the soot and debris detached from the wall of the duct as they fall.

A single operator can do the work from the lower chimney sweep opening without having to climb onto the roof.

This work is much less strenuous and dangerous than the old craft method. However, it does not fully ensure the cleanliness of the premises where it is carried out.

As previously, it does not guarantee total effectiveness of cleaning either, as it depends for a given type of deposit on the suitability of the scraper system for the geometry of the duct and on the professional conscience of the operators. It would indeed be necessary to circulate several times the instruments in the conduit to manage to detach certain types of soiling whereas generally only one passage is practiced in each direction and not always on all length of the duct.

However, a considerable saving of time and personnel is achieved, hence the economic advantages of the progress made.

Whereas, for work on the roof, it is necessary to use very light non-motorized equipment, when working by the base of the chimney, it is possible to use mechanical means which facilitate and improve the quality of work.

Current mechanical sweeping devices, see for example the device according to document US-A-4 591 389, use the principle of the hose to transmit the mechanical energy necessary for the "hedgehog" from a motor fixed at the other end of said flexible. The hose consists of a semi-rigid outer sheath capable of supporting the "hedgehog", of pushing it along the duct but also of bending enough to follow, if necessary, the different inclinations of the said duct.

Inside the sheath is a cable, driven in rotation by the motor, which transmits the mechanical torque to the "hedgehog" to which it is attached.

This system effectively ensures a more thorough cleaning of the duct, which constitutes an important advantage compared to the artisanal and manual technique. However, certain faults are still present, in particular the cleaning is sometimes too vigorous, which leads to ruptures of the conduit which is fixed and that the tools used can be too brutal for dilapidated or fragile conduits.

The transmitted torque can only be low, otherwise the cable will break or the hose will kink. Then, the radii of curvature that the hose must be able to withstand must always be very large, under penalty of blockage or abnormal wear of the cable. This limits certain accesses and requires a reel for the large hose. In addition, compensation for the torque transmitted by the hedgehog on the hose is difficult to ensure and the hose tends to twist. The flexible is therefore a practical accessory but relatively expensive to use because of its rapid wear.

In addition, the ever increasing complexity of devices leads to giving them multiple functions. Thus, for example, the work tool must be able to clean the duct but at the same time to transmit the image of the work accomplished and also give information on certain physical or chemical parameters concerning the process in progress. These requirements mean that today, the working organs can no longer be satisfied with a simple connection as was encountered for example with the cleaning carried out by a brush driven by a hose in a sheath.

Manufacturers are therefore led to use currently as connecting elements a juxtaposition of means, each of them having a specific action.

We meet for example the use of a flexible hose to convey the working fluid. This waterproof pipe resists pressure but does not have any mechanical characteristic adapted to the compromise of rigidity and flexibility sought to allow ensuring the mechanical support and the displacement of the functional member along the geometry of the conduit.

The multi-conductor electric cable is well suited to allow the exchange of data and possibly the supply of electrical energy, but does not meet the necessary mechanical requirements either.

It is therefore necessary to add to them a rod or sheath more or less suitable for transmitting the mechanical tensile or pushing force while adapting to the curvatures of the duct.

The obligation to combine specific connecting elements causes many operational problems. There are tangles, pinches, cuts of weak connecting elements and it is also difficult to guide and transmit forces to a package of connecting elements. It should also be emphasized that it is necessary to use multiple connectors at the ends to connect each connecting element.

The main object of the present invention is to present a sweeping device which offers great flexibility of use. In particular, all the work is carried out by the base of the chimney and the advantages compared to the traditional flexible reside in a reduction, even in certain cases a virtual elimination of the rotating part of the flexible forming the support line of the hedgehog. The operator can thus work in good conditions without risk of kinking the line.

There is also a very significant decrease in the mechanical vibrations reflected along the hedgehog's support line. These advantages being obtained without appreciable increase in the cost of the equipment.

It should also be noted that the line can be very long without altering the yield and that the length can easily be changed. Furthermore, the power transmitted to the hedgehog can be very greatly increased compared to that transmitted by a conventional hose.

Another object of the present invention is to present a sweeping device of modular design, which allows it to adapt to the different types of work to be carried out with good control of the different parameters of cleaning a duct or its equipment. annexes.

Another object of the present invention is to present a connection line on the one hand between a working tool and on the other hand a remote control and power station which is multi-function, that is to say to say that the connecting element of the invention is able to supply and transport all the requirements necessary for the work tool and for the control and supply unit to function properly.

The circulation of needs can be bi-directional, that is to say from the working member towards the control and supply center and vice versa, and will come in multiple forms such as circulation of a fluid, gas, optical radiation, of a current or electrical signals ....

The construction of connecting elements depends in each case on specific needs. However, in all circumstances, a compromise between rigidity and flexibility must be obtained to allow suitable functioning of the functional organ.

A minimum radius of curvature is granted to the connecting element to facilitate its storage by winding on a reel. This flexibility also allows him to follow sinuous conduits. However, the rigidity of the connecting element makes it possible to ensure a rigorous positioning of the functional member and to withstand the mechanical stresses likely to be generated at the level of the connection by the work of the tools.

• un moteur d'entraînement de l'outil, placé en tête de ligne,
• la dite ligne dont le rôle est d'assurer au moins le guidage et le soutien de l'outil et de son moteur ainsi que la fourniture d'énergie pour le moteur depuis une centrale d'alimentation située en bas de ligne, constituée sous la forme de :
     - un tuyau étanche qui sert à l'acheminement du fluide moteur,
• une structure semi-rigide, qui, en combinaison avec le dit tuyau limite la torsion et la flexion de la dite ligne.

According to the invention, the sweeping device, intended for cleaning the chimney flues, formed of a semi-rigid line and of a rotary working tool, such as in particular a hedgehog, arranged at the head of the line, capable of being introduced into said chimney flue to be cleaned (see for example the device according to document US-A-4 591 389), is characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• a tool drive motor, placed at the head of the line,
• the said line, the role of which is to ensure at least the guiding and the support of the tool and of its motor as well as the supply of energy for the motor from a power station located at the bottom of the line, constituted under the made of :
  - a tight pipe which is used to convey the working fluid,
• a semi-rigid structure, which, in combination with said pipe limits the twisting and bending of said line.

• la figure 1 schématise la mise en oeuvre du dispositif de ramonage selon la présente invention,
• la figure 2 représente une première réalisation manuelle des moyens de compensation du couple moteur,
• la figure 3 illustre une seconde mise en oeuvre des moyens de compensation du couple moteur à travers un récupérateur de suie,
• les figures 4, 5, 6, et 7 schématisent respectivement, en vue de coupe sectionnelle des exemples de lignes pour le dispositif de ramonage de l'invention selon des modes d'exécution différents,
• la figure 8 schématise un exemple d'installation de nettoyage d'un conduit, contrôlée et commandée à distance, nécessitant une liaison bi-directionnelle entre l'outil et la centrale,
• la figure 9 schématise la structrure de la ligne de liaison, selon la présente invention, notamment destinée à l'installation de la figure 8,
• la figure 10 illustre un mode de réalisation de la ligne de liaison de la figure 9,
• la figure 11 représente un détail de construction de l'enveloppe externe de la ligne de liaison,
• la figure 12 illustre un autre mode de réalisation de la ligne de liaison selon la présente invention, montrée à la figure 9,
• la figure 13 montre une autre variante de réalisation de la ligne.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description accompanied by attached drawings, among which:

• FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically the implementation of the sweeping device according to the present invention,
• FIG. 2 represents a first manual embodiment of the means for compensating the engine torque,
• FIG. 3 illustrates a second implementation of the means for compensating the engine torque through a soot collector,
• FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 show diagrammatically, respectively, in sectional view of examples of lines for the sweeping device of the invention according to different embodiments,
• FIG. 8 shows diagrammatically an example of a pipe cleaning installation, controlled and commanded remotely, requiring a bi-directional connection between the tool and the central unit,
• FIG. 9 shows diagrammatically the structure of the connecting line, according to the present invention, in particular intended for the installation of FIG. 8,
• FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the connecting line of FIG. 9,
• FIG. 11 shows a construction detail of the external envelope of the connecting line,
• FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the connecting line according to the present invention, shown in FIG. 9,
• Figure 13 shows another variant of realization of the line.

The present invention relates to a chimney sweeping device intended for cleaning chimney flues as well as a connection line between a tool and a power supply unit designed for said device.

Significant progress has been made, compared to the traditional technique, with the development of mechanical sweeping devices. These devices, formed of a semi-rigid hose of great length which includes at one end the hedgehog and at the other end a driving motor, are gradually introduced into the chimney flue through the base. However, the technique of the long hose suffers from some defects such as those mentioned above.

With the mechanical sweeping device of the present invention, it is possible to work over great lengths with a high torque without generating undesirable feedbacks. Furthermore, the device of the invention is perfectly suited to chimney flues having many orientations without reducing the yield.

As recalled in the preamble to the present application, it will therefore be necessary to convey different types of energy such as fluid, gas, optical radiation, current or electrical signals and, in the case of automation or remote control, to provide a connection , sometimes bi-directional, between the functional working member and the control unit.

In the case of duct cleaning, consider feeding the tools, for example by means of compressed air, then transmit an image of the work accomplished, and transmit physical parameters on the process in progress, such as torque , speed, or the like.

However, the connecting element must also play a mechanical role of positioning, displacement and support of the functional member in the duct.

In addition, if a chemical action is required, it will also be necessary to send by the link a chemical intended to be sprayed.

The present invention provides a structure which makes it possible to meet these various objectives and makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks posed by the embodiments known to date.

Figure 1 shows schematically the use of the device 1 for sweeping a chimney pipe 2 according to the present invention. The work is carried out from the base of the chimney 2, it can therefore present without any discomfort at its upper part a deflector 3 intended to ward off rainwater.

The sweeping device 1 comprises a rotary working tool 4, such as a hedgehog for example, intended to scrape the inner wall of the chimney flue 2. This tool 4 is placed at the head of a semi-rigid line 5. An opening 6 placed at the base of the chimney flue 2 makes it possible to introduce the tool 4 and line 5 assembly from the bottom of the chimney.

According to the invention, the device 1 also comprises a motor 7 for driving the tool 4. However, the tool 4 and its motor 7 are both placed at the head of the line 5, the latter ensuring at least on the one hand the guidance and support of the tool 4 and of its motor 7 and on the other hand the supply of energy for the motor 7, from a power station 8 located at the bottom of the line.

Although an electric motor 7 can be used to drive the tool 4, in which case the line 5 must contain electric conductors, use will preferably be made of a pneumatic motor 7, supplied from a source d compressed air 8, connected to line 5.

The pneumatic motor has an excellent power / weight ratio, which is very favorable in the application envisaged here. Line 5 must be rigid enough to support the tool 4 and its motor 7 but must have enough flexibility to support small radii of curvature.

The transmission of energy to motor 7 does not does not suffer from the length of line 5 nor from its curved profile. As an example, satisfaction has been obtained by using a pneumatic motor operating at 7 bars for a power of approximately 500 watts with a torque of approximately 0.75 mN.

More generally, the device of the present invention can be broken down into three main parts.

First of all, the tools placed at the head of the line which act on their immediate environment in the conduit. These are, for example, cleaning, scraping, brushing, spraying, filling, coating or other heads or even sensors for capturing the environment. They can be position, pressure, force, image or other sensors.

Then we find the organs outside the duct. These are the facilities responsible for meeting the needs of the previous tools. For example, the supply can be in the form of compressed air, suction, electricity, fluid, gas or other or even operating, piloting, control, processing of the information provided by the tools placed at the head of the line.

Finally, there are intermediate connecting elements responsible for conveying the exchanges between the tool and the organs external to the conduit. These intermediate members take charge of the movement of the tool in the duct, their connection with the bodies external to the duct.

Depending on the applications, particular combinations may be adopted to provide an assembly that is perfectly suited to the configuration encountered.

• un outillage mécanique formé d'un moteur pneumatique avec une brosse rotative,
• un capteur de position donnant l'inclinaison de la tête de ligne par rapport à la verticale,
• des organes externes constitués d'un enrouleur/dérouleur des moyens de liaison, alimentés par un groupe compresseur d'air et un système d'adaptation de la pression d'air comprimé alimentant le moteur en fonction du couple absorbé par l'outillage et de son inclinaison,
• des moyens de liaison intermédiaire entre outillage et organe externe tel qu'un tuyau d'air comprimé associé à un câble conducteur électrique.

For example, a complete device could be made up of:

• mechanical tools formed by a pneumatic motor with a rotary brush,
• a position sensor giving the inclination of the line head relative to the vertical,
• external organs made up of a reel / unwinder of the connecting means, supplied by an air compressor group and a system for adapting the compressed air pressure supplying the motor as a function of the torque absorbed by the tool and of its inclination,
• intermediate connection means between tool and external member such as a compressed air hose associated with an electrically conductive cable.

For certain applications, the same tool and the same external members could be used, but this time with an intermediate connecting element consisting of a rigid tubular rod provided with a member for adjusting the compressed air flow rate connected by a side to the pipe and the other side to the engine.

Currently, the quality of the work performed depends essentially on the operator's know-how and the cleaning parameters are hardly controlled.

Indeed, the speed of movement of the cleaning member in the duct results solely from the manual action of the operator. The rotational speed of rotary cleaning tools, when used, is fixed. The length of duct actually cleaned or swept depends on the operator's assessment: according to the number of rods strung end to end in the duct or according to the marks he may have made on the "rod" or the long hose that it uses. No other objective parameter is measured or taken into account.

• la position de la tête de nettoyage dans le conduit c'est-à-dire la distance entre la tête et l'entrée du conduit par exemple au moyen d'un capteur enregistrant le passage et le sens du passage des moyens de liaison reliant la tête aux organes externes,
• la verticalité, l'inclinaison ou le renversement éventuel de la tête de nettoyage dans le conduit mesurés par exemple à l'aide d'un capteur du genre clinomètre placé dans l'outillage de tête,
• la vitesse de déplacement du système de nettoyage dans le conduit déterminé par exemple en introduisant le facteur intervalle de temps pour calculer la vitesse à partir des indications de positions successives du capteur précédent,
• la force nécessaire au déplacement de l'outillage de nettoyage dans le conduit mesurée par exemple à partir du couple de rotation exercé par le moteur d'entraînement sur les moyens de liaison intermédiaire,
• la vitesse de rotation de l'outillage de nettoyage et détection d'un blocage éventuel par exemple à l'aide d'un capteur de vitesse de rotation placé dans l'outillage de tête ou s'il s'agit d'un moteur pneumatique indirectement à partir de la mesure du débit d'air comprimé,
• le couple résistant opposé au couple de rotation occasionné par le frottement des outillages de nettoyage sur la paroi mesuré indirectement à partir de la vitesse de rotation du moteur pneumatique ou de la pression d'air comprimé qu'il alimente.

With the device of the present invention, on the contrary, it is intended to control in a precise, reproducible and programmable manner all the parameters characterizing the cleaning of the conduits. In particular, we can control:

• the position of the cleaning head in the duct, that is to say the distance between the head and the inlet of the duct, for example by means of a sensor recording the passage and the direction of passage of the connecting means connecting the head to external organs,
• the verticality, the inclination or the possible overturning of the cleaning head in the duct measured for example using a sensor of the kind clinometer placed in the head tool,
• the speed of movement of the cleaning system in the duct determined for example by introducing the time interval factor to calculate the speed from the indications of successive positions of the previous sensor,
• the force required to move the cleaning tool in the duct, measured for example from the torque exerted by the drive motor on the intermediate connection means,
• the speed of rotation of the cleaning tool and detection of a possible blockage for example using a speed sensor placed in the head tool or if it is a pneumatic motor indirectly from the measurement of the compressed air flow,
• the resistive torque opposite to the rotation torque caused by the friction of the cleaning tools on the wall measured indirectly from the speed of rotation of the pneumatic motor or from the pressure of compressed air which it supplies.

Other parameters can also be introduced such as the direction of rotation of the cleaning head, type of tool used, proximity of an obstacle in the duct, etc.

Preferably, the motors used are of variable speed and the direction of rotation can be reversed. This allows for example to rub the dirt from a different angle so as to loosen it better. A direction of rotation is adopted during the rise of the device, the other direction of rotation is adopted during the descent.

This also clears the cleaning tool if it gets stuck in any location.

In addition, the friction of a hedgehog 4 on the walls of the chimney 2 causes the creation of a couple which is retransmitted entirely to line 5. To compensate for this couple, the skilled person knows the use of '' a reel 9 around which the line 5 is placed, this reel 9 being heavy or benefiting from a wide base to support the couple without overturning. Preferably, the sweeping device of the invention comprises means for compensating the engine torque.

According to a first embodiment, these compensation means are in the form of at least two hedgehogs 10 and 11, each of them being driven by the motor 7 in opposite directions. To do this, the engine is fitted with a suitable gearbox. The friction couples of each of the hedgehogs 10 and 11 counterbalance each other, hence the transmission of minimal effort along the line 5. This is a perfectly suitable technique except that it weighs down some little head of line.

It is also conceivable to equip the line head 5 with a separate double tool capable of being actuated separately or jointly by a suitable mechanism such as a drive key or a gear carried by a part of the motor shaft and being able to take various positions with respect to grooves made in the bores of the tool holders. Depending on the relative position of the drive key, and the bore of each of the tool holders, only one of them or both tools are driven. Various devices such as a sliding of the key holder shaft or the sliding of the bearing face of the tool holders can allow this variation of the relative positions of the various elements concerned. This arrangement could of course be extended to more than two tools and if necessary combined the mechanism for rotating the tools in the opposite direction.

One of the interesting applications of this mechanism consists in operating an energetic scraping tool for soiling during the ascent of the line with a torque and a speed of rotation adapted to this specific tool and on the other hand using a brushing tool much more gentle for the completion of the cleaning down the line with a torque at a different speed from those previously envisaged.

Reversal of the working direction of the tool can be automated by associating it with the direction of movement of the connecting means. During the ascent, the force which opposes the penetration of the line up tends to cause the tool to descend in relation to the key holder shaft and this activates the energetic scraping tool. In contrast to the descent, the tool retaining force is opposed to the line pulling, which tends to raise the tool relative to the key-holder shaft and this activates the brushing tool soft.

Of course, a remote control device could perfectly be used to determine the direction of rotation of the motor, or more generally an automatic control device could adjust certain parameters according to the information provided by the various sensors.

It is advantageous to use a motorized mechanism to move the tools along the chimney flue. This on the one hand to reduce the arduousness of the work and on the other hand to ensure a constant speed of movement fixed according to the characteristics of the conduit and dirt. Better still, the speed of this movement can be controlled by a predetermined program made according to the indications of the sensors transmitting information concerning the significant parameters of the cleaning operation such as the position of the tool in the duct, the forces of reaction opposite to displacement, the resistive torque opposite to the motor, etc.

• la motorisation de la rotation d'un enrouleur/dérouleur 9 de la ligne 5 associée à un guidage de la dite ligne entre l'enrouleur 9 et l'entrée du conduit 6,
• la motorisation d'un mécanisme d'entraînement de la ligne 5 à l'entrée 6 du conduit, cet entraînement pourrait par exemple être effectué à l'aide d'un ensemble de galets presseurs motorisés en forme de diabolo pour épouser la forme de la ligne et l'entraîner dans le conduit.

This localization of the displacement can be achieved by various means such as:

• the motorization of the rotation of a reel / unwinder 9 of the line 5 associated with a guide of said line between the reel 9 and the inlet of the conduit 6,
• the motorization of a drive mechanism for line 5 at the inlet 6 of the conduit, this drive could for example be carried out using a set of motorized pressure rollers in the form of a diabolo to match the shape of the line and drag him into the drove.

Of course, this drive is reversible to not only ensure the rise but also the descent of the line along the conduit.

The tool 4 and the motor 7 may also be combined in the form of a reaction system composed of at least one arm connected to the compressed air supply line 5, which can rotate freely relative to this line and carrying at its end a blowing nozzle slightly inclined with respect to the axis of rotation.

• d'une part, la réaction du jet d'air légèrement incliné par rapport à l'axe de rotation provoque la rotation de l'outil. Ce dernier pourra être par exemple formé de chaînettes, fils métalliques ou autres fixés à l'axe de rotation,
• la puissance de ce jet d'air décollera ou finira de décoller les salissures du conduit et créera en combinaison avec un dispositif d'aspiration en bas du conduit, un courant d'air descendant puissant entraînant les particules détachées du conduit vers le bas et leur dispositif d'évacuation. Pour équilibrer l'équipage mobile, il y aura avantage à utiliser plus d'un bras associé à une buse mais par exemple trois ou quatre bras. La longueur de ceux-ci sera réglable pour s'adapter aux dimensions des conduits rencontrés.

The powerful air jet created by the nozzle blows against the wall of the duct and will have two consequences:

• on the one hand, the reaction of the air jet slightly inclined with respect to the axis of rotation causes the rotation of the tool. The latter may for example be formed of chains, metal wires or the like attached to the axis of rotation,
• the power of this air jet will take off or finish to take off the dirt from the duct and will create in combination with a suction device at the bottom of the duct, a strong downdraft of air driving the particles detached from the duct downwards and their evacuation device. To balance the moving part, it will be advantageous to use more than one arm associated with a nozzle but for example three or four arms. The length of these will be adjustable to adapt to the dimensions of the conduits encountered.

This equipment is for example well suited for cleaning gas heating conduits called "gas VMC" in which the dirt is less and the walls both more regular and more fragile.

Another simpler implementation is illustrated in FIG. 2. It consists in using a stock 12, held manually, through which the line 5 is threaded. The latter can slide in the butt 12 but must not rotate inside. For this, one can use a line 5 having a non-circular profile and a stock 12 whose internal profile is corresponding.

In many cases, a soot collector is used at the base of the chimney flue 2 which comprises a funnel 13 as illustrated in FIG. 3, connected to a central vacuum unit not illustrated. The soot particles detached by the action of the hedgehog fall along the duct and are collected by the funnel 13 and then directed towards the central aspiration.

In this case, we can take advantage of the presence of the funnel 13 to block the rotary knife transmitted by the line 5. For this purpose, the funnel 13 is pierced with an orifice 14 whose section corresponds to the sectional profile of line 5. This sectional profile should not be circular but may for example be square. Thus, any torque present on line 5 is fully transmitted to the funnel 13 of the soot collector. It is a massive element connected to a central vacuum unit which is perfectly capable of compensating the engine torque.

According to a more elaborate version of the sweeping device of the invention, the latter comprises a control system integrated in the line head 5 which regulates the admission of compressed air to the motor 7 as a function of the torque transmitted by the tool 4 This allows you to always operate in excellent conditions, avoiding blockages and overloads.

In order to make the device of the present invention autonomous, it appeared expedient to have a power station 8 placed at the base of the line 5. In general, to ensure proper operation of the device of the present invention, it it is necessary to have at least two different sources of energy such as a source of compressed air to operate the drive motor of the tool and a source of vacuum to vacuum the waste and dirt removed from the conduit.

For example, the supply of energy could be ensured by a generator installed on a light vehicle which would include a diesel type drive motor, a vacuum pump and an air compressor.

In addition, it is possible to consider employment a remote control so that the operator can control remotely or control all the parameters influencing cleaning.

The construction of line 5 must be given special attention. It is indeed necessary to have both a semi-rigid line to at least guide and support the motor 7 and the tool 4 while ensuring the supply of compressed air to said motor 7.

A first solution proposed for the structure of line 5 is illustrated in FIG. 4. A sealed tubular sheath such as polypropylene 15 is used in which glass fibers 16 are included to give the assembly sufficient rigidity.

In FIG. 5, in the central part of line 5, a compressed air pipe 17 of common type is used around which a sheath 18 of glass fiber is placed.

In FIG. 6, the line 5 is formed from small section pipes 19 extruded from a material having the necessary mechanical properties. By assembling in a bundle as illustrated in FIG. 6, it is possible to obtain an assembly having the qualities required for the distribution of compressed air.

FIG. 7 represents a line design 5 according to which the functions are dissociated. A pipe 20 distributes compressed air and a rod 21 made of an oriented material provides the desired mechanical properties.

The sweeping technique developed here is essentially mechanical but could perfectly be combined with chemical techniques.

In some cases, more sophisticated cleaning facilities require a two-way connection. Figure 8, for example, shows such an installation.

This involves, for example, performing work in a conduit 31 using a functional work and exploration tool 32. This tool 32 includes a equipment which allows him, for example, to recognize the environment in which he operates, to control the work carried out or other. Thus, the working tool comprises a motorized tool 49, sensors, probes, spray nozzles, etc.

A central unit 33 for controlling and supplying the functional tool 32 is placed at a distance generally at the entrance to the conduit 31. Its role is to control the operations in progress and to supply the functional organ with the energy, orders, the products necessary for its action.

The exchanges between the working tool 32 and the remote control and supply unit 33 pass entirely through a connecting line 34, according to the present invention. In addition, the connection line 34 provides guidance and mechanical support for the functional tool 32 in the conduit 31. For this, the connection line 34 must have a well-determined flexibility / stiffness ratio.

According to the present invention, the connecting line 34 has a very particular structure which allows it to combine all the desired characteristics.

Figure 9 illustrates, in sectional view, the section of the connecting line 34, showing its internal structure. It comprises a tight central pipe 35 which is used for conveying the working fluid, generally compressed air. It is a flexible hose.

The element 34 also comprises an external envelope 36 which surrounds the said pipe 35, this envelope 36 is semi-rigid and in combination with the tube 35 limits the twist and the bending of the line 34.

In the example chosen, the outer envelope 36 is stiffened by the presence of rods 37 embedded in the mass.

In addition, a series of cells placed in one or other of the preceding parts 35 or 36 are present and into which are introduced electrical conductors 38, and / or cables, cables or force transmission hoses 39, and / or optical fibers 40, and / or product supply tubes 41 or the like.

Optionally, an outer frame or sheath 42 is installed at the periphery to provide the assembly with mechanical protection.

FIG. 10 illustrates another line embodiment according to the present invention. The connecting line 34 comprises a flexible central pipe 35 which is used for conveying the working fluid such as compressed air and an external envelope 36 in which a series of cells 43 are hollowed out. This rigidification envelope 36 can be co-extruded with the central pipe 35. The cells 43 form passages which can optionally be filled with electrical conductors, optical fibers or the like.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the outer casing 36 according to which it is clipped around the central pipe 35, which allows a separate manufacture of two parts.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the connecting line 34. According to this design, the central pipe is formed of a plurality of mini conduits 44 assembled by an elastic joint. Each of these mini ducts 44 is made of a material having properties of rigidity and elasticity making it possible to obtain by their combination a homogeneous assembly benefiting from the expected rigidity and elasticity characteristics.

The mini conduits 44 are preferably linked by an elastic joint for assembly, which allows slight differential movements between the mini conduits 44 allowing them, for example, to slightly bend the beam which they constitute by their assembly.

It is advantageous to use mini conduits 44 whose profile forms a bundle with contiguous edges. In the example chosen, the mini ducts 44 form a honeycomb bundle. This allows the use of mini ducts which, taken in isolation, may not resist at the operating pressures required for the transport of the working fluid but which as a group are balanced.

A perimeter coating layer 45 is used to form the outer casing 36 of the connecting line 34. Several solutions can be envisaged at this level, thus the outer casing 36 can be made of the same material as that used for the mini ducts 44 but thicker to contain internal pressure. Another more elastic material, reinforced or not, can also be used such as that used for the manufacture of pipes under pressure.

It is also possible to envisage systematic filling of the peripheral mini ducts 44, this filling being carried out with a material which gives all of the mechanical characteristics of resistance to pressure and desired semi-rigidity. One could also use mini external conduits in full profile.

The mini conduits 44 can also be considered to ensure not only the transmission of the working fluid but also as cells to fulfill the various functions which the connecting line 34 must necessarily have. Thus, in the example of FIG. 12, certain mini conduits 44 are filled with electrical conductors 46 for the transmission of signals. Others can be used to convey a chemical fluid 47. These examples are not limiting.

In the event that pressure differences between the different cells risk exceeding the characteristics admissible by the latter, different solutions can be used. It is possible to connect the neighboring cells to the same source of compressed air to restore equipressions even if some cells are equipped with electrical, light or other transmission functions. It is also possible to use a filling material to fill certain cells and thus limit the deformation of their wall.

The advantage of using a structure alveolar in mini duct is that it can be configured according to the circumstances. Indeed, each of the cells is capable of fulfilling any function depending on this filling.

FIG. 13 represents another embodiment of the invention. In this example, the connecting line 34 has in its central part a sealed pipe 35 which resists the pressure of the working fluid. This pipe 35 is surrounded by an external envelope 36 formed from a combination of cells 48, this cellular sheath can be produced in the form of modular elements which are easy to assemble, for example by clipping.

The cells 48 can be used for various functions, so they can be lined with electrical conductors, optical fibers, chemicals, or the like. It is also possible to use a filling material to give the assembly a certain desired rigidity.

In order to be able to more easily store the connecting line, it is necessary that the latter can have a minimum radius of curvature corresponding to the winding of the line on a reel.

In certain applications, it is advantageous to know with precision the depression of the connection line in a conduit for example. For this, we can advantageously "mark" the connecting line, by placing inside at regular intervals points likely to act on external sensors. Thus, by placing in one of the cells a fine wire or rod which has marking points at regular intervals for an external sensor, it is possible to count the points to precisely determine the length of the line which has passed before said sensor. The latter may be of the magnetic type, with a capacitive effect, sensitive to radiation or the like.

The computer will also take into account the direction of travel to find out the length of the element introduced into the duct.

Claims (20)

1. A chimney sweeping device for the cleaning of chimney flues, made of a semi-rigid line (5; 34) and a rotary working tool (4; 32) as for instance a brush, located at the head of the line, capable of penetrating the flue (2; 31) of the chimney to be swept, characterised in that it comprises :

   - a motor (7; 49) driving the tool (4; 32) located at the head of the line (5; 34),

   - the above line, whose function is to ensure at least the guidance and support of the tool (4; 32) and of its motor (7; 49) as well as the motor power supply from a central source (8; 33) located at the bottom of the line (5; 34), and made up as follows :

   - a sealed pipe (15; 17; 19; 20; 35; 44) through which power flows to the motor,

   - a semi-ridig structure (16; 18; 19; 21; 36; 42; 44; 45) which, together with the above pipe limits twisting and bending of the line.
2. A device which, according to Claim 1, is characterised in that means are present to compensate the working tool drive torque.
3. A device which, according to Claim 2, is characterised in that the means of compensation are present in the form of at least two brushes (10 and 11) each of which is driven by the motor (7) in opposing directions.
4. A device which, according to Claim 2, is characterised in that means are present in the form of a shaft (12) within which the line(5) can slide but not twist.
5. A device which, according to Claim 2, is characterised in that a sack for soot is present in the form of a funnel (13) located at the bottom of the chimney flue (2) and there is present in the funnel of the sack for soot a hole (14) which is not round and through which the corresponding profile line (5) runs.
6. A device which, according to Claim 1, is characterised in that the tool (4) and the drive motor (7) are combined into a propelling system made of at least one arm linked to a source of compressed air at the end of which there is a conduit which is slanted in relation to the axis of rotation.
7. A device which, according to Claim 1, is characterised in that it comprises a drive mechanism for the tool (4) which engages the various tools following the movements of the line (5).
8. A device which, according to Claim 1, is characterised in that the line in question is formed of a sealed sleeve (15) in which glass fibres (7) are present.
9. A device which, according to Claim 1, is characterised in that the line in question is formed of a tube (17) outside of which a fibreglass sleeve (18) is located.
10. A device which, according to Claim 1, is characterised in that the line in question is present in the form of a bank of short tubular sections (19; 44) which are put together.
11. A device which, according to Claim 1, is characterised in that the line in question is present in the form of:

    - a central pipe (35; 44),

    - a semi-rigid external jacket (36; 44,45)

    - a series of cells (38-41; 43; 44; 48)

    placed in any one of the above portions (35, 36) in which electrical conductors, optic fibres, chemical products or others are introduced in order to ensure a bi-directional transmission of the needs between the tool (32) and the unit of control and distribution (33).
12. A device which, according to Claim 11, is characterised in that the line is equipped with an external reinforcement (42) or protective sleeve.
13. A device which, according to Claim 11, is characterised in that the jacket (36) is fixed round the central pipe (35) by means of clips.
14. A device which, according to Claim 11, is characterised in that the jacket (36) is extruded onto the central pipe (35).
15. A device which, according to Claim 11, is characterised in that the central pipe (35) is made of various mini-tubes (44) linked by elastic joints.
16. A device which, according to Claim 11, is characterised in that the external jacket (36) is made of a cellular sleeve (48) formed by an assembly of mini-tubes.
17. A device which, according to Claim 15, is characterised in that the profile edges of the cells (44) are contiguous.
18. A device which, according to Claim 17, is characterised in that the bank of mini-tubes (44) has the shape of honeycomb.
19. A device which, according to Claim 11, is characterised in that it is marked at regular intervals by points capable of acting upon an external sensor.
20. A device which, according to Claim 16, is characterised in that the external jacket is formed by an assembly of modular cells (48) clipped to each other around a central pipe (35).

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